Preview: Portimonense vs. Gil Vicente - prediction, team news, lineups

Portimonense will host Gil Vicente in the Primeira Liga this weekend with both sides heading into the encounter level with 16 points from 18 matches played.

The hosts have won three of their last five home matches, while the visitors are looking to claim back-to-back league victories on the road for the first time this season.

Match preview

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Portimonense's fears of relegation remain despite picking up a point in a goalless draw away at fifth-placed Pacos de Ferreira on Tuesday evening.

Paulo Sergio's men have won just one of their last six games, and they sit just two points above the relegation zone with Farense, who are currently bottom, still to play their game in hand.

The Alvinegros have relied on their home form to accumulate precious points this campaign, winning three of their last five matches at the Estadio Municipal de Portimao and keeping four clean sheets in the process.

Portimonense beat Gil Vicente 1-0 on home soil last season and another victory on Sunday could move them as high as 11th in the Primeira Liga.

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Gil Vicente came close to a surprise victory against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday evening, but their valiant efforts were unrewarded as the league leaders came from behind in the final seven minutes to snatch all three points from the hosts.

The Roosters have struggled in the league since the turn of the year, accumulating just four points from a possible 21, with their only victory in this period away at Boavista last Friday.

Like Portimonense, Ricardo Soares's men are just two points clear of the drop zone, having won only four of their 18 Primeira Liga matches this campaign.

Gil Vicente can take some confidence into Sunday's clash, having already beaten the Alvinegros 1-0 in September. Another victory against them could see the Roosters climb into the top 10, six points behind Santa Clara, who they face next week, if Daniel Ramos's side were to lose at home to Braga.

Portimonense Primeira Liga form: LWDLLD

Gil Vicente Primeira Liga form: LLLLWL
Gil Vicente form (all competitions): LLLLWL

Team News

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Portimonense are still without central midfielders Lucas Fernandes (anterior cruciate ligament) and Pedro Sa (dislocated elbow) through injury.

Forward Fabricio, who was an unused substitute against Pacos de Ferreira, is set to come back into the starting lineup to play alongside Aylton Boa Morte and Beto.

Gil Vicente have no injury concerns at present and as a result are set to name a strong side for this weekend's match.

Soares will be pleased to have centre-back Ygor Nogueira available, and he is expected to start alongside Rodrigao in defence.

Portimonense possible starting lineup:
Samuel; Moufi, Possignolo, Lucas, Cande; Ewerton, Willyan, Dener; Boa Morte, Beto, Fabricio

Gil Vicente possible starting lineup:
Denis; Pereira, Nogueira, Rodrigao, Talocha; Mineiro, Afonso, Goncalves; Lourency, Lino, Baraye

We say: Portimonense 1-1 Gil Vicente

Both Portimonense and Gil Vicente will be desperate to secure three points and move away from danger but with little to separate the two teams, a score draw could be on the cards in what is expected to be a tight encounter.